Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Are you a Wisher and a Hoper?

Many people are wishers and hopers. That is what keeps them going. They have something to strive for, to look forward to. Dreams can be motivating and are healthy to have. Developing ideas and having hope for its outcome keeps you going, even when things looks bleak. It keeps you creative and positive.

Me? I try not to be a very big dreamer. Is that weird?

My "Godfather," Lorraine Schilling.

Little dreamer.

I knew how to "work it" even then.

I purposefully choose not to get too excited about things before they come to fruition.

I dreamed of this day for a long time.

Student of the Year in 5th Grade!

I have been this way since I was a child. My mother LOVES to tell the story of when she excitedly told me she had a gift for me and I, in a monotone voice, said “Get it.”

I had learned that some of her presents could be math workbooks or used socks (not really!) and had chosen to not get excited.

I have seen this same dynamic in myself many times as an adult- I learn about an opportunity and work for it, but I don’t let my thoughts run away into dreamland. I always find that I get disappointed and if not, I’m happily surprised.

I think that I have developed this mechanism as a way to protect myself against my propensity towards depression and anxiety. Sometimes I can feel my disappointment very acutely.

And, it’s worked for me, for the most part.

The hubby: Probably trying to dig to China!

But sometimes people think I’m a “wet blanket.” I am constantly warning my husband against getting too excited about something, and he is constantly encouraging me to think “BIG.” I think that is one way that we balance each other out.

Who thought of moving to Africa? He did. Am I glad he did? Of course!

I think many of my bigger steps in life have been prompted by others to dream to hope, to wish for better. Their support has been invaluable.

Me in South Africa. Spot the doggie behind me?

I hope that dreaming can come more easily to me one day. I want to teach our (future) children to “reach for the stars” and to work hard to achieve their dreams.

9 comments:

I am a wisher, a hoper, a dreamer, and an eternal optimist. I see the trouble in the world and KNOW that people can make a difference. So I try to push myself and others to hope and dream. Disappointment is hard, but it makes me work harder the next time. I am never disappointed with a gift, despite the contents - the gift itself is that someone thought enough of me to want to give me something.

I am very much a dreamer and an optimist. Lack of bit of self-confidence when it comes to decision making too. I have awarded you a Liebster Award, please come across to my blog to collect it and pass it on. Thanks xxhttp://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com/2011/08/liebster-award.html

You must be like my husband...I am the one who gets way too excited about everything, and he keeps me grounded, or tries too! Visiting and following via I <3 Blogging Hop...hop over to my blog and follow back if you like...I am doing a 400 GFC follower monogram giveaway!

Wow, I am so glad I found your blog via the Mom 4 Real blog hop! I am a follower now and will enjoy getting to know you. I have never traveled out of the states and love reading about people who live or travel other places. I'm the mom of 5 and nana of one (soon two) grandchildren. I have a blog called NanaHood (www.nanahood.com) I do hope you will visit me there and lets get to know each other. Blessings to you! Teresa

Hi, I found you via a comment you left on my blog. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting.

First off, how cute were you as a baby! I am a pessimist who is slowly converting into an optimist. I am starting to hope and dream and my head is sometimes drifting in the clouds. I think we all evolve a little overtime and I think my pessimist tendencies will always be there in the background!